A police officer was convicted of manslaughter after using a Taser on an elderly woman.

A tragic incident occurred in the small town of Cooma, located in southern New South Wales, when a police officer was found guilty of unlawfully killing a 95-year-old woman who showed symptoms of dementia. Senior Constable Kristian James Samuel White was responsible for the fatal Taser shot that took the life of Clare Nowland, a great-grandmother, in a treatment room at Yallambee Lodge aged-care home on May 17, 2023.

During the trial at the NSW Supreme Court, a video was presented as evidence, which showed the 34-year-old officer saying "nah, bugger it" before shooting Nowland in the torso. The elderly woman, who was holding a steak knife at the time, fell and hit her head, leading to her death a week later in the hospital. The incident caused widespread outrage and sparked debates about the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers.

After eight days of hearing evidence and arguments, the 12-person jury returned with a guilty verdict of manslaughter today. They had deliberated for a total of 20 hours, carefully considering the evidence presented to them. The Crown prosecutor, Brett Hatfield SC, successfully argued that White's actions were criminally negligent and an unlawful and dangerous act. He stated that firing the Taser was "utterly unnecessary" and that the officer should have evaluated the circumstances before taking such drastic measures.

On the other hand, White's defense counsel, Troy Edwards SC, argued that the use of the Taser was a proportionate response to the threat posed by Nowland. However, the jury rejected this argument and found the officer guilty. This decision serves as a reminder that law enforcement officers must exercise caution and evaluate the situation before using any excessive force.

The guilty verdict has brought some closure to the family and friends of Nowland, who have been grieving her loss. It also serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and those who are responsible for taking lives must be held accountable for their actions. This case has sparked important conversations about the treatment of elderly citizens and the use of force by police officers, and it is hoped that it will lead to better practices in the future.

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